Anne and I have the above ritual that lasts through the summer (and sometimes as long as the Atlanta weather stays hot). So far this year, we've been using up old stocks of staple stuff, like Gruet, so nothing really exciting on which to post. We did have a rather nice rose Cremant de Bourgogne up at the farm several weeks ago, but we tossed the bottle before I could post. Hopefully, I'll stumble upon it again, recognize it correctly, and have something to rec.

Anywho, tonight's "Sparkling Sunday" offering was a NV sparkling Shiraz from Hill of Content. Deeply hued garnet in the glass, with a little foamy effervescence that looks more pink. Crushed raspberries on the nose, with layers of berry fruit flavors with a hint of smoky, roasted meat, much like one would get from a still table Shiraz. A slight hint of cordial sweetness on the finish, even though it's basically a dry wine, but it has acidity that cuts across it, making it refreshing. More "fruity sweet" than "sugary sweet," if that makes sense. An interesting drink, and a nice way to spend our "Sparkling Sunday." Best as an aperitif, but could also pair with a salad with sweeter elements, such as a micro greens salad with dried cranberries, pine nuts, and a raspberry vinegarette dressing. You could also chill it down and use it for a blast of refreshment for spicy summer BBQ. Finally, it would also pair well with standard chocolate desserts, like chocolate walnut brownies. Though not as overtly sweet as a Brachetto d'Acqui, for example, it could be similarly used in a romantic setting, as it's better as a stand-alone than something sweet, like Banfi's now-ubiquitous Rosa Regale. Don't know how much it cost, as we received it as a gift, but a quick Google shows you can pick it up for $15-20, depending on your location.

I'll keep this thread open this summer for any other interesting "Sparkling Sunday" wines we enjoy.

As CB loves bubblies and sometimes forgets the amount consumed I tend to shy away from them except for special holidays then I let-er rip. The fizzy Shiraz sounds interesting. Will see iff'n me peddler can get the sucker. WW

Nice tradition. Our twist.... For the summer season we have shelved the French sparklers (especially everything serious) and have reverted to Prosecco. Drunk cooler than Champagne, it's my new "beer" in the heat.

We're using Prosecco the same way, for entertaining and as a sipper before supper each evening. Have bought eight cases of Botter from Costco so far this year with only two cases left in the cellar.... critical mass! It's on my shopping list for today. Having turned friends on to it, they keep cleaning out the stocks.

We had Prosecco as an aperitif in Rome last month that came with 2 small balls of mandarin orange ice in it. I have been trying to synthesize that ice ever since with varying degrees of success. The experiment is worth almost any amount of time and money if it succeeds.

Lately we've come to like sparklers with popcorn. Not just any popcorn, though. There are several toppings we like to put on after the popping is done - a drizzle of white truffle oil or freshly grated Parmesano Reggiano are two.

I once tried to mix Brewers yeast into yogurt thinking how healthy that would be. That was over 30 years ago and I swear I can still taste it, and that ain't good. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]